About
If your doctor suggests you undergo a sleep study, or polysomnography, you may be wondering what is involved in this test and what to expect. Sleep studies help doctors diagnose sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, periodic limb movement disorder, narcolepsy, restless legs syndrome, insomnia, and nighttime behaviors like sleepwalking and REM sleep behavior disorder. Often these disorders cannot be identified with a normal office visit, so your doctor will need to gather more conclusive evidence while you are asleep.
A sleep study is a non-invasive, overnight exam that allows certified technicians to monitor you while you sleep to see what’s happening in your brain and body.
Spartanburg Regional conducts sleep studies at three nationally accredited sleep centers, as well as at home. Since 1985, we’ve been providing sleep care and testing, making us one of the oldest sleep diagnostic centers in the Southeast. Once your sleep study is completed and enough information is gathered, we will recommend the most appropriate treatment to address your needs.
Our sleep centers offer:
- Over 35 years of sleep medicine experience
- Full service centers for all aspects of sleep care and disorders
- Testing six nights each week (Sunday-Friday)
- Daytime testing for shift workers
- Education about sleep disorders and prescribed treatment
- Licensed and registered staff, including five physicians who are board certified in sleep medicine
Conditions Diagnosed
A sleep study is used to diagnose many sleep disorders, including:
- Insomnia
- Sleep Apnea
- Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)
- Narcolepsy
- Periodic Limb Movement Disorder
- Sleepwalking
- Sleep Talking (Somniloquy)
- REM Sleep Behavior Disorder
Sleep Study Patient Instructions
Important information
- Arrive with clean and dry hair – no hair product, braids, weaves, sewn-in hair pieces or extensions.
- Remove all makeup. Washcloths and towels are available to remove any remaining makeup or lotion before the study begins.
- Bring pajamas or a t-shirt and shorts to sleep in. Do not wear silk, slippery pajamas or tight leggings. We will need to access your lower legs with monitoring devices.
- Do not bring jewelry or valuables.
- Pillows are provided. However, you are welcome to bring your own pillow and/or blanket.
- Remove acrylic, gel or heavily painted nail polish from one index finger for the oxygen sensor.
Medication
- Please take your medication as prescribed by your physician. If your medications make it unsafe for you to drive, please do not take them until you are at the sleep lab.
- Please bring a snack if you need food with your bedtime medications.
- If you were prescribed a sleeping aid for the study, please do not take it until you are directed by your technician.
- Please bring all necessary diabetic supplies.
- We do not have any medications at the sleep lab.
Accommodations
All patients have a private bedroom and bathroom with a TV. We will ask that all TVs, cell phones and electronics be turned off by 11 p.m. If needed, one person may accompany you to the lab for the first hour. If you need a caregiver with you throughout the night, or special accommodations, please make these requests when scheduling.